NFL's proposed new drug policy passes vote among player reps

The NFLPA has passed a vote on a new drug policy for the league.

The 32 players were unanimous in voting in favor of the owners' proposal on drug testing, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith had this to say in a statement:

We stood up and fought for what was right. Twenty-five years ago it was NFL players that set out to make the game clean by asking for and collectively bargaining the first drug testing policy in professional sports. Today, this union and these player leaders have approved a policy that will serve the game well for generations of players to come.

The most notable change is that players will now be blood tested for the use of human growth hormone. The testing will not begin immediately, though this certainly signifies a major advancement in the NFL's efforts to eliminate the use of performance-enhancing substances.

In the short term, the change to policies regarding the offseason use of amphetamines and lesser levels of marijuana in players' urine will be amended.

That policy is expected to be applied retroactively, which will allow for some players to return from suspension, including Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick, who could be reinstated and return to the field as soon as Sunday.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is expected to have his suspension reduced from 16 games to 10 games.